The Practical Sitcom Framework

by Tyler Mowery

Logline:

When [MAIN CHARACTER] encounters [INCITING INCIDENT] they must [ACHIEVE GOAL]
before [STAKES].

Main Character:

Who is this story’s main character?

What is their desire?

Who opposes them?

Genre

Archetypal Conflict: Straight Man vs. Crazy People

Setting: In a Sitcom, the archetypal conflict is built in as part of the sitcom genre. However,
experiment with a setting we haven’t seen before.

Genre:
Setting Up the Chess Board of Your Story.
Beliefs (Philosophical Conflict)

Belief One / Lie (Dominant Values):

Belief Two / Truth (Underdog Values):

Concept (External Conflict)

Dominant World (Belief One / Dominant Values):

Underdog Characters (Belief Two / Underdog Values):

Recurring Characters
1. Main Character
- Belief: (Soul / Worldview of the Character)
- Need: (Emotional Relationships + Attachment)
- Want: (Physical Desire)

2. Antagonist (Opponent 1)
- Belief:
- Relationships:
- Want:

3. Fake Ally (Opponent 2)

- Belief:
- Relationships:
- Want:

4. Fake Opponent (Opponent 3)

- Belief:
- Relationships:
- Want:

5. Recurring Character 5
- Belief:
- Relationships:
- Want:

6. Recurring Character 6
- Belief:
- Relationships:
- Want:

7. Recurring Character 7
- Belief:
- Relationships:
- Want:

8. Recurring Character 8
- Belief:
- Relationships:
- Want:
Four Corner Opposition
Which viewpoint does the character hold, left or right?
And are they a “good guy” (above the line) or “bad guy” (below the line).

Belief 1
(Lie) - Protagonist Mentor Belief 2
(Truth) - Fake Ally

GOOD GUY
Antagonist Fake Opponent

BAD GUY

Episodic Characters

Episodic Charater One:

- Belief:
- Need:
- Want:

Episodic Character Two:

- Belief:
- Need:
- Want:

Episodic Character Three:

- Belief:
- Need:
- Want:

Episodic Character Four:

- Belief:
- Need:
- Want:
Episodic Character Five:
- Belief:
- Need:
- Want:

Episodic Character Six:

- Belief:
- Need:
- Want:

Continue as necessary.

Character Hierarchy + Relationships (Emotional Conflict)

Protagonist
- Recurring and Episodic Characters

Antagonist
- Recurring and Episodic Characters

Fake Ally
- Recurring and Episodic Characters

Fake Opponent
- Recurring and Episodic Characters

Depending on the episode, characters in a sitcom can shift alliances drastically depending on
the episode’s conflict.
Set Pieces (Your Concept in a Single Scene)

Character Set Pieces

Protagonist Set Piece

What is the protagonist’s space?
How does it physically expresses what they believe?

Antagonist Set Piece

What is the antagonist’s space?
How does it physically expresses what they believe?

Other Character Set Pieces

What other important characters have their own space?
How does their space physically express what they believe?

Season One Set Pieces

Episode One Set Pieces

Set Piece One

Dominant World:
+
Underdog Characters:
=
Description of Set Piece:

Episode Two Set Pieces

Set Piece Two

Dominant World:
+
Underdog Characters:
=
Description of Set Piece:
Episode Three Set Pieces

Set Piece Three

Dominant World:
+
Underdog Characters:
=
Description of Set Piece:

Episode Four Set Pieces

Set Piece Four

Dominant World:
+
Underdog Characters:
=
Description of Set Piece:

Episode Five Set Pieces

Set Piece Five

Dominant World:
+
Underdog Characters:
=
Description of Set Piece:

Episode Six Set Pieces

Set Piece Six

Dominant World:
+
Underdog Characters:
=
Description of Set Piece:

Episode Seven Set Pieces

Set Piece Seven

Dominant World:
+
Underdog Characters:
=
Description of Set Piece:

Episode Eight Set Pieces

Set Piece Eight

Dominant World:
+
Underdog Characters:
=
Description of Set Piece:

Story Objects
Character Objects
Protagonist Objects:

Antagonist Objects:

Fake Ally Objects:

Fake Opponent Objects:

Set Piece Objects
Act One Set Piece Objects:

Act Two Set Piece Objects:

Act Three Set Piece Objects:

Act Four Set Piece Objects:

The Chess Moves.

Now we send the pieces of the story in motion.

Character Arc
In a sitcom, your characters never learn. Because if they learn, you can’t write another episode.
At the end of each episode your characters will revert back to their old ways and any learning
they did in this episode will soon be forgotten.
Season One Episode Story Circles

Episode One
A PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

B PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

Episode Two
A PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

B PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

Episode Three
A PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

B PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

Episode Four (Midpoint Climax)

A PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

B PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

Episode Five
A PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

B PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

Episode Six
A PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

B PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

Episode Seven
A PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

B PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

Episode Eight (FINALE)

A PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

B PLOT
1 Character Status Quo -
2 Goal Established -
3 Inciting Problem -
4 Choice of Commitment -
5 Goal Achieved -
6 Surprise Problem -
7 Climactic Choice -
8 New Character Status Quo -

Setups, Reminders and Payoffs: Story Symbols in Motion

In a sitcom, most setups and payoffs will be in-episode.

Episode One Setups and Payoffs

Where are the important objects in Episode One?
How are they involved in the story?

Episode Two Setups and Payoffs

Where are the important objects in Episode Two?
How are they involved in the story?

Episode Three Setups and Payoffs

Where are the important objects in Episode Three?
How are they involved in the story?

Episode Four Setups and Payoffs

Where are the important objects in Episode Four?
How are they involved in the story?

Episode Five Setups and Payoffs

Where are the important objects in Episode Five?
How are they involved in the story?

Episode Six Setups and Payoffs

Where are the important objects in Episode Six?
How are they involved in the story?

Episode Seven Setups and Payoffs

Where are the important objects in Episode Seven?
How are they involved in the story?

Episode Eight Setups and Payoffs

Where are the important objects in Episode Eight?
How are they involved in the story?

Scene to Scene Outline

One sentence description per scene.

Episode One A-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:
TWO - Goal Established:
Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Episode One B-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:
THREE - Inciting Problem:
Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Episode Two A-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:
FOUR - Choice of Commitment:
Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Episode Two B-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:
FIVE - Goal Achieved:
Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Episode Three A-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:
SIX - Surprise Problem:
Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Episode Three B-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:
SEVEN - Climactic Choice:
Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Episode Four A-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:
EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:
Scene 10:

Episode Four B-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:
Episode Five A-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:
Episode Five B-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:
Episode Six A-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Episode Six B-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:
TWO - Goal Established:
Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Episode Seven A-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:
THREE - Inciting Problem:
Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Episode Seven B-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:
FOUR - Choice of Commitment:
Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Episode Eight A-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:
FIVE - Goal Achieved:
Scene 7:

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Episode Eight B-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Opening Scene 1:

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2:

Scene 3:

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4:

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5:

Scene 6:

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7:
SIX - Surprise Problem:
Scene 8:

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9:

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10:

Detailed Scene to Scene Outline

Episode One A-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Scene 1
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

Scene 3
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

Scene 6
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

Episode One B-Plot

ONE - Character Status Quo:

Scene 1
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

TWO - Goal Established:

Scene 2
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

Scene 3
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?
Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

THREE - Inciting Problem:

Scene 4
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

FOUR - Choice of Commitment:

Scene 5
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

Scene 6
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

FIVE - Goal Achieved:

Scene 7
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

SIX - Surprise Problem:

Scene 8
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

SEVEN - Climactic Choice:

Scene 9
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?

Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?

EIGHT - New Character Status Quo:

Scene 10
Character Want: Who wants what in the scene? Who is in their way?
Scene Object: What is the important object the debate is over?

Choice Presented: Will A or B be chosen?

Side A vs Side B: Where do all the characters in the scene stand on the choice?

Who has the Power of Choice: Whose choice is it?

Stakes Raise: How is pressure built on the choice?

Choice Made: What option is chosen?